Device for opening cans



Sept. 20, 1938. N. N. WISWELL DEVICE FOR OPENING CANS Filed Nov. 19 1954 2 Sheets-Sheet l y P 1 W (52:: Mm

p 20, 1933- N. N. WISWELL I 2,130,634

DEVICE FOR OPENING CANS Filed Nov. 19, 1934 2 SheetsSheet 2 Patented Sept. 20, 1938 UNITED s'ra'rs OFFHQE 3 Claims.

This invention relates to a device for opening receptacles and relates more particularly to a device for application to the breather pipe of an engine and operable to open cans of lubricant for the lubrication of the engine. A general object of the invention is to provide a simple, compact and effective device for application to the breather pipe of an automotive engine that is operable to readily open cans of oil and the like to allow the contents to drain into the engine.

Another object of the invention is to provide a can opening device of the character mentioned that may be easily and quickly arranged or fixed in position on the lubricant receiving pipe and r breather pipe of the engine of an automotive vehicle or the like.

Another object of the invention is to provide a device of the character mentioned that embodies a novel and efiective combination of a cutter and 0 guide that supports the opened can in an inclined position so that its contents may fully and comletely drain intothe pipe.

Another object of the invention is to provide a deviceof the character mentioned embodying a cap for normally covering its upper end and embodying means for allowing the free breathing of the crank case of the engine.

Another object of the invention is to provide a device of the character mentioned that is 0perable to form a large opening in the side wall of a can to allow the free draining of the contents of the can into the breather pipe, which opening mutilates the can to such an extent that it is unfit for refilling.

Another object of the invention is to provide a device of the character mentioned that is very compact and that does not interfere with the draining or pouring of bulk oil into the lubricant receiving breather pipe. The device of the present invention is such that a funnel or the spout of a lubricant dispensing receptacle may be readily inserted in the pipe for the purpose of draining lubricant into the crankcase of the engine.

Another object of the invention is to provide a device of the character mentioned that embodies a novel and improved cutter for making a large discharge or drain opening in the side wall of the can.

A further object of the invention is to provide a can opening device of the character mentioned that is simple and inexpensive of manufacture.

The various objects and features of my inventionwill be fully understood from the following detailed description of typical forms and. applications of the invention, throughout which description reference is made to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Fig. 1 is a fragmentary elevation view of a portion of an engine illustrating one embodiment -of the invention arranged in position on the breather pipe. Fig. 2 is an enlarged vertical detailed sectional view taken substantially as indicated by line 22 on Fig. 1. Fig. 3 is a fragmentary vertical detailed sectional view of the device with the cap removed and illustrating an opened can in position on the cutter. Fig. 4 is a transverse detailed sectional view taken as indicated by line 4- on Fig. 2. Fig. 5 is a vertical detailed sectional view of another embodiment of the invention. Fig. 6 is a transverse detailed se'ctional View taken as indicated by line 66 on Fig. 5. Fig. '7 is a fragmentary vertical detailed sectional view of the device illustrated in Figs, 5 and 6 showing the cap removed and illustrating an opened can in position to drain into the breather pipe and Fig. 8 is a fragmentary side elevation view illustrating the cutter of the device shown in Figs. 5, 6 and '7.

The present invention may be embodied in forms for use on various types and classes of engines and may be embodied in the form of attachments, or appliances, and as original fixtures or parts of the engine structure. In the following detailed disclosure I will describe two typical embodiments of the invention that may be considered as original fixtures of the engine or as attachments to replace the usual or customary caps found on the breather pipes of automotive engines. It is to be understood that the invention is not to be construed as limited or restricted to the specific forms or applications about to be described but is to be taken as including any features or modifications that may fall within the scope of the claims.

The form of the present invention illustrated in Figs. 1 to 4, inclusive, of the drawings, includes, generally, a body IE] to be attached or applied to the breather pipe P of the engine E, means II on the body for opening cans to drain into the pipe P and a cover or cap 12 for the body ID.

The body 10 is a tubular member adapted to be attached to or positioned on the upper end of the pipe P to constitute a continuation thereof. The shape of the body In and the manner of mounting or attaclrng the body to the pipe depends upon the character of the pipe P and Whether the device is an original fixture or an attachment. In the particular case illustrated in the drawings the upper portion of the breather pipe P is plain and without threads and the pipe projects vertically from the crank case of the engine. The body It may include .a lower portion l3 of reduced diameter adapted to rather snugiy or tightly fit in the upper portion of the pipe P. If desired, the body portion l3 may be rigidly secured to the pipe P as by welding, screws or other suitable means. The major wall portion H! of the body which projects above the upper end of the pipe P is preferably of greater diameter than the pipe providing a downwardly facing shoulder 55 at or immediately adjacent the upper end of the pipe.

i2 is removed. An outwardly rolled edge or bead iii may be provided on the upper end of the body H3. From the above it will be seen that the body H3 is a simple, integral member that is inexpensive to manufacture.

The means H is operable to out an opening in a can C that is forced downwardly against it and "s adapted to thereafter support the can in an inclined position to allow its contents to drain into the breather pipe P. The can opening means it includes a can engaging member or guide ll and a cutter 58. The guide ll is rigidly attached to the major upper portion it of the body and projects upwardly therefrom. In the preferred construction the guide ll lies or bears against the inner surface of the body portion M and the portion of the guide thus contacting with the body is curved to conform thereto. One or more screws l9 may attach the guide IT to the body it]. The guide I! has an inwardly projecting flange 23 which seats on the body shoulder 55 and has a tongue 2i projecting downwardly at the inner end of the flange. The active portion of the guide ll which projects upwardly beyond the upper end of the body it is inclined downwardly and inwardly with respect to the longitudinal axis of the body H3 and pipe P. This active portion of the guide I! is preferably arcuate or curved in horizontal cross section to have proper guiding and bearing engagement with the can C as will be hereinafter described. The opposite vertical sides of the guide ll may be straight and parallel while the upper end of the guide may be suitably rounded.

The cutter I8 is positioned adjacent to and inwardly of the guide IT and the cutter and guide are proportioned and mounted to be covered by the cap l2 and to be readily accessible for use upon the removal of the cap from the body. The cutter i8 is operable to cut a large clear opening in an end of the can C when the can is forced downwardly against it. The canopening cutter i8 is an elongate member provided. at its lower end with a shank 22. The shank 22 bears against the inner side of the tongue 2! and is secured thereto as by welding 23. The major or active portion of the cutter l8 which extends upwardly from the chank 22 is substantially U-shaped in transverse cross section, having spaced side parts 23 and a transversely curved portion 25 extending between and connecting the side parts 24%.

In accordance with the invention the cutter i8 is pitched, being inclined downwardly and inwardly toward the central longitudinal axis of the body l9 and pipe P. The curved outer portion 25 of the cutter is pitched at a greater angle than the guide ll and its upper part may normally engage the inner surface of the guide. The upper edges or ends 28 of the side parts 24 curve or slope upwardly and outwardly to con- The upper end of the 1 body it is open or unobstructed when the cap Verge at a point 2! at the upper end of the cutter. The edges or ends 26 are preferably fiat and substantially normal to the adjacent side surfaces of the cutter whereby the corners occurring at the line of juncture of the ends 26 and the external surfaces of the cutter act as shearing edges during the formation of the opening in the can C. The extreme upper portion or point portion of the cutter I8 is preferably bent or inclined upwardly and inwardly with respect to the guide ll so that the bead B of the can C may be entered between the point 21 and the guide Il and the point is operable to pierce the end wall of the can immediately within or adjacent the bead. The upper end or point 21 on the upper end of the cutter I8 is preferably spaced a short distance below the upper end of the guide ll. With the guide ll and cutter I8 proportioned in this manner the guide constitutes a shield or guard for the cutter. Openings 28 are provided in the walls of the cutter [8 to allow the contents of the can C to drain downwardly from around the cutter. The inner edges or ends 29 of the side parts 24 may be straight and substantially vertical as illustrated in Figs. 2 and 3 of the drawings.

The cover or cap i2 is readily removable from the body it! to make the can opening means ll accessible and operative and to allow lubricant to be poured or drained into the pipe P. The top 38 of the cover or cap l2 may be flat and may be substantially horizontal when the cap is in position on the body In. The cap I! has a cylindrically curved side wall 3! extending downwardly from the top 33. The side wall 3| is of greater diameter than the body portion J4 and surrounds the bead IS with substantial clearance.

Means is provided for removably retaining the cap l2 in its proper position on the body It). A

strip or band 3% of sheet metal or the like extends around the inner surface of the side Wall 3!. The band 3W is shaped or formed to have circumferentially spaced parts 32 spaced inwardly from the wall 3]. In the particular case illustrated in the drawings there are two diametrically opposite parts 32. The parts 32 are preferably curved substantially concentric with the wall 3!. Integral springlike fingers 33 project downwardly from the parts 32. The. fingers 33 project downwardly beyond the lower edge of the wall 3! to enter the body ll! when the cap is arranged on the body. The fingers 33 are transversely curved to substantially conform to the internal surface of the body portion It. The spring fingers 33 are located and formed to bear outwardly against the body wall withsubstantial force when inserted in the body. The resiliency of the parts 32 and the fingers 33 maintains the fingers in tight cooperation with the wall of the body ill to properly steady the cap and prevent the cap from vibrating or rattling on the body. The parts 32 engage the upper end or-bead it of the body in to limit the downward movement of the cap on the body. The spring fingers 33 cooperate with the inner wall of the body Ill to hold .the side Wall 3! of the cap spaced outwardly from the bead IS in concentric relation thereto so that an annular passage X is provided between the body I and cap I2 to allow for the free breathing of the'engine.

Means is provided on the cap l2 to form or cut an air inlet opening in an end of the can C to facilitate the rapid draining of the contents from the can. In the form of the invention illustrated in Figs. 1 to 4 of the drawings this that it does not vibrate or rattle. space X between the wall of the body l0 and the 3 means comprises a piercing element or cutter 35 projecting from theupper surface of the top 30.

The cutter 35 may be substantially conical and may' project from thecenter of the top 30. A

can-C. A pin 31 projects from the base of the cutter 35 through an opening in the top30. The pin 31 may be riveted over to secure the cutter 35 to the top 30 of the cap.

The cap I2 is normally arranged on thebody l0 as illustrated in Figs. 1, 2 and 4 of the drawlugs, to extend across the upper endof the body and enclose the projecting portions of the guide Hand cutter 18'. The spring fingers 33 removably retain the cap on the body in a manner so The annular sidewall3l of the cap provides for the free breathing of the engine. The cap I 2 may be easilydisengaged or removed from the body- II] when it is desired to drain or pour lubricant into the pipe P. The assembly of the guide I! and cutter -l8'is spaced at one side of the longitudinal axis of the body I!) and does not appreciably obstruct the opening through the body. A funnel or the pouring spout of a dispensing receptacle may be inserted in the body Ill for the purpose of pouring bulk lubricant into the pipe P and crank case of the engine E. i When it is desired to drain the contents of a sealed container or can C into the pipe P the cutter 35 may first be employed to form an air Inlet opening in an end of the can. The can may be arranged in a vertical'position on a suitable support and the cap 2 inverted and arranged so that the point 36 of the cutter 35 engages the upper end of the can adjacent the upper bead B. The cap |2 may then be struck or forced downwardly to drive the cutter 35 through the upper end wall of the can.

Following the forming of the air inlet opening in the upper end of the can the can C is posioperates to guide the can when inclined in this manner and engages the side wall W of the can to hold the can in proper cooperation with the cutter l8. Asthe can C is forced downwardly the cutter-|8 and the guide spring or flex to some extent allowing the bead B and the side wall W of the can to be forced downwardly between the contacting upper portions of the guide and cutter. As the can C moves downwardly on the cutter l8 the opening initially formed by the point 2'! is enlarged inwardly. The outer corners of the upper ends 26 of the cutter shear through the end wall of the can and the said ends engage the fiap F formed by the cut causing it to be rolled upwardly and inwardly. This leaves a large unobstructed opening in the lower end of the can C. The can C is forced downwardly on the cutter 8 until its bead B contacts or engages the bead It on the upper end of the body Ill. This, of course, limits the downward travel of the can C.

The contents of the can freely drain through i or can engaging member 4| and a cutter 42.

the body wall I4.

the opening formed by the cutter l8, and pass through the body In into the pipe P. The gripping contact of the somewhat resilient guide l1 and cutter l8 effectively support and hold the can C in its inclined position so that the operator need not support the can after it has been opened. The can C is further steadied in its tilted position by the engagement of the bead B with the upper end of the body It]. When the contents have drained from the can C the can may be disengaged from the device by raising it or pulling it upwardly out of engagement with the guide I1 and cutter I8. Following the filling or draining of the lubricant into the pipe P the cap |2 may be replaced on the body H).

Figs. 5 to 8, inclusive, of the drawings, illustrate a form of the invention embodying a can opening means 40 differing in certain respects from the means described above. The body Hi and the cap |2 of the embodiment shown in Figs. 5 to 8, inclusive, of the drawings, may be identical with the body Ill and cap I2 of the previously described embodiment.

The means 40 for cutting the pouring or draining opening in the can C includes a guide The member 4| together with the cutter 42 are adapted to receive and cooperate with a bead B of the can C whereupon the can may be swung or forced downwardly on the cutter 42 to cause the cutter to form a large opening in a wall of the can. The guide or member 4| is platelike and is arranged against the internal surface of The member 4| may be held or retained in position by the cutter 42 and its securing means as will be hereinafter described.

The member 4| has an active portion 43 projecting upwardly beyond the upper end of the body It. The active portion 43 of the member 4| is inclined upwardly and inwardly with respect to the vertical axis of the body H]. The inner and outer surfaces of the portion 43 are preferably inclined or bevelled to the upper end of the member 4|. 44 may be provided on the lower end of the member 4|. The lower side of the flange 44 may rest on or cooperate with the body shoulder 5.

The cutter 42 projects upwardly beyond the upper end of the body I!) and has a shank 45 attached to the interior of the body wall l4. In practice screws or bolts 46 may rigidly secure the cutter shank 45 to the body. In the form of the invention illustrated in the drawings the shank 45 is bent or formed to have a longitudinal channel 41 which receives the body of the member 4| and a notch 48 is provided in the lower end of the shank 45 to receive the flange 44. With the member 4| received in the channel 41 and the flange 44 received in the notch 48 the screws 46 for securing the cutter to the body |9 effectively clamp or secure the member 4| in position.

The active portion 49 of the cutter projecting upwardly from the body H] is curved vertically and horizontally. The cutter 42 is mounted or arranged so that its active portion 49 presents a concave outer surface and a convex inner surface. In accordance with the invention the cutter 42 curves upwardly and inwardly with respect to the longitudinal axis of the body I0 and then curves upwardly and outwardly so that its active portion 49 curves upwardly and outwardly and its extreme upper end faces outwardly. The side edges 50 of the cutter curve or converge upwardly to a point 5| at the upper end of the cutter. The edges 50 are bevelled outwardly to join An inwardly projecting tongue or flange the outer surface of the cutter portion 4-9 at sharp cutting edges 52. This bevelling of the edges til continues to the upper end of the cutter so that the point 5| is sharpened and faces upwardly and outwardly. The portion of the cutter 2 opposing the active portion 43 of the member 4! is spaced inwardly from the portion Y43 and is inclined upwardly and inwardly leaving a space to receive the bead B of the can.

Means is provided on the cap 12 for forming an air vent or inlet opening in the can C. This means comprises a piercing element or cutter 54 riveted or otherwise rigidly secured to the top 30 of the cap. The cutter 54 projects downwardly or longitudinally through the cap l2 and extends beyond the lower ends of the spring fingers 33. A sharpened point 55 is provided on the lower end of the cutter 5% to pierce an end wall of the can C to form an. air inlet opening 56.

The cap I2 is normally arranged on the body it as illustrated in Fig. 5 of the drawings to extend across the upper end of the body I and enclose the projecting portions of the cutter 42 and member M. The spring fingers 33 dependably retain the cap in position on the body in a manner so that the cap may be easily removed when it is desired to drain or pour lubricant into the pipe P. The cutter 42 is disposed at one side wall portion of the body Ill leaving the open upper end of the body substantially unobstructed to receive a funnel or the pouring spout of a dispensing receptacle.

When the contents of a sealed container or can C are to be drained into the pipe P the cutter & on the cap 12 may be employed to form an air inlet opening 56 in the upper end of the can. The opening 56 is preferably provided in the upper wall of the can adjacent the peripheral bead B. The can C is then arranged in a position where its lower bead B is received between the portion Q3 of the guide member 4i and the cutter 42. The engagement of the portion 43 with the bead B is such that the can C may be swung or forced downwardly and inwardly against the cutter 32. When the can C is forced downwardly and inwardly in this manner the cutter point 5! pierces the side wall W of the can and the edges 52 shear or cut through the wall of the can as the can is swung downwardly. The can C is forced downwardly and inwardly on the cutter 42 until its end wall E engages the point iii of the cutter 42. The engagement of the wall E with the point of the cutter stops the can in an inclined position such as illustrated in Fig. 7 of the drawings. When the can reaches this position the cutter Q2 will have formed the large draining or pouring opening 0 in the side wall of the can. The opening 0 faces the open upper end of the body Ill so that the contents of the can may freely drain into the body and pipe P. The engagement of the point 5| with the wall E and the engagement of the guide portion 43 and cutter 12 with the can eifectively support the opened can C in the inclined draining position. The opening 0 is preferably cut in the side wall of the can wall W to be in diagonal relation with the air inlet opening 56 so that the ope g 56 is in the uppermost portion of the can when the can is in its inclined position on the device. Following the draining of the contents from the can C the can may be easily disengaged and removed from the guide portion 43 and cutter 42. If desired the drain opening 0 may be out in the end wall E of the can by positioning the can with its end wall facing the cutter 42 and its bead B in engagement with the portion 43 and the adjacent path of the cutter and then swinging the can downwardly and inwardly to cause the wall-E to be pierced by the cutter 42. g

The present invention provides a simple inexpensive device for opening cans that is particularly adapted for application to the breather pipes of internal combustion engines. The can opening device is small and compact so that the body thereof may be provided with a small breather cap i2. The can opening means of the device is such that the cap l2 may house or enclose its projecting parts and yet be of small dimensions. The can opening means forms a large unobstructed opening in the lowermost corner of the tilted or inclined can so that the contents quickly drain from the can into the breather pipe P. The cutter of the form of the invention illustrated in Figs. 5 to 8 of the drawings is operable to form a large opening in the side,

Wall W of the can rendering the can unfit for refilling.

Having described only typical preferred forms and applications of my invention, I do not wish to be limited or restricted to the specific forms a and applications herein set forth, but Wish to reserve to myself any modifications or variations that may appear to those skilled in the art or fall within the scope of the following claims.

Having described my invention, I claim:

1. A can opening device for use in combination with the lubricant receiving pipe of an engine, said device including, a body on the pipe, and a cutter projecting from the upper end of the body, the cutter being curved upwardly and outwardly to have an outwardly facing point operable to pierce a wall of a can and engageable by another wall of the can to limit its movement.

2. A can opening device for use in combination with the lubricant receiving pipe of an engine, said device including, a body on the pipe, a cutter on the body projecting from its upper end, the cutter having a laterally facing point, and means for guiding a can onto the cutter to have said point pierce its wall;

3. A can opening device for use in combination with the lubricant receiving pipe of an engine, said device including, a body on the pipe, a cutter on the body projecting from its upper end, the cutter having an upwardly and outwardly facing point, a part on the body for cooperating with a head of a can to guide the side wall of the can against the cutter, and a cap for the body receiving the cutter and said part.

NORMAN N. WISWELL. 

